Araniko Highway
अरनिको राजमार्ग
The road to Tibet — Nepal's historic overland link to China.
- Code
- NH34
- Length
- ≈112 km
- From
- Kathmandu
- To
- Kodari / Tatopani (China border)
- Opened
- 1967
- Built with
- China
- Status
- Operational; border section rebuilt after 2015
- Provinces
- Bagmati
The Araniko Highway runs from Kathmandu through Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel and Barhabise to the Chinese border at Kodari/Tatopani. Named after the 13th-century Nepali artist Araniko, it is the historic trade route to Tibet.
Landslides and the 2015 earthquake have repeatedly disrupted the border crossing, with some traffic shifting toward the newer Rasuwagadhi route.
From plan to highway
- 1963
Construction begins
China begins building the road toward the Tibet border.
- 1967
Opened to Kodari
The highway reaches the Tatopani/Kodari crossing, opening an overland route to Lhasa.
- 2015
Earthquake damage
The Gorkha earthquake and landslides devastate the upper road; the Tatopani crossing closes for years.
- 2019 onward
Reopening & repairs
Sections are rebuilt and cross-border trade partially restored.
The Araniko Highway highlighted, from OpenStreetMap road data.
More highways
Mahendra Highway (East–West Highway)
Nepal's longest and most important road — the Terai spine that ties the country together east to west
Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath)
Nepal's first highway — the original road link between Kathmandu and India
Prithvi Highway
The busy Kathmandu–Pokhara link, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers
Araniko Highway — frequently asked questions
How long is the Araniko Highway?+
The Araniko Highway (NH34) is approximately 112 km long.
Where does the Araniko Highway go — what does it connect?+
It runs from Kathmandu to Kodari / Tatopani (China border), passing through Bagmati Province.
When did the Araniko Highway open?+
It opened in 1967. It was built with assistance from China.
Is the Araniko Highway open and what is it known for?+
Status: Operational; border section rebuilt after 2015. It is known as The road to Tibet — Nepal's historic overland link to China.
Sources & data note
Length, route and dates are approximate, from the Department of Roads and standard references. The mapped route is real road geometry from OpenStreetMap, matched by highway code.